specific ethical norms of self conduct. Each
newspaper / magazine / movie production house /
TV Channel will have their own institutionalized
policies in house which would generally obviate any
possibility of the medium being abused. As against
that use of internet is solely based upon
individualistic approach of each individual without
any check, balance or regulatory ethical norms for
exercising freedom of speech and expression under
Article 19[ 1] [a].
(xi)
In the era limited to print media and
cinematograph; or even in case of publication
through airwaves, the chances of abuse of freedom
of expression was less due to inherent
infrastructural and logistical constrains. In the case
of said mediums, it was almost impossible for an
individual to create and publish an abusive content
and make it available to trillions of people. Whereas,
in the present internet age the said infrastructural
and logistical constrains have disappeared as any
individual using even a smart mobile phone or a
portable computer device can create and publish
abusive material on its own, without seeking help of
anyone else and make it available to trillions of
people by just one click.”
28.
As stated, all the above factors may make a distinction
between the print and other media as opposed to the internet
and the legislature may well, therefore, provide for separate
offences so far as free speech over the internet is concerned.
There is, therefore, an intelligible differentia having a rational
relation to the object sought to be achieved – that there can be
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